All Aboard The Hogwarts Express!
This March, Warner Bros Studios London unveiled a 20,000ft² expansion, including the original Hogwarts Express steam engine and a recreation of Platform 9 ¾. The new, permanent section will offer a glimpse into how some of the films’ most iconic scenes were created as well as give you the chance to climb aboard the train’s carriage and to pose with a luggage trolley as it disappears through the platform wall.
The official opening was on Thursday 19th March, however I was lucky enough to visit the studios for the preview evening the week before which was an amazing experience and I felt extremely lucky to be given this privilege. On arrival we were also given wine and beer along with snacks in the Great Hall which was a great addition to the tour!
I read the books as a child and watched a few of the films but was never an avid fan, so was quite dubious whether I would really enjoy the studio tour, however it was amazing and I loved it. I do however, as it turns out, have a big interest in behind the scenes and movie production. I was a big fan of the area which showed you all about the mechanics behind the special effects and how they made Dumbledore and Hagrid look so big compared to real-life human actors and actresses.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter is the ultimate monument to the biggest movie series of all time and a must for every Harry Potter fan.
The set is in the colossal studios where all eight of the Potter films were shot and boasts an astonishing collection of props, costumes and sets that will amaze even the most apathetic of visitors. Opening in spring 2012, the tour took less than a year to attract a million visitors and the numbers are far from dwindling.
The new, must-see section has been redesigned and will be built by many of the crew members who worked on the most successful film series of all time. Every inch of the platform’s glass roof, yellow brick walls and luggage racks, designed by Production Designer Stuart Craig, will be painstakingly reassembled by a team led by Construction Manager Paul Hayes and dressed by Set Decorator Rosie Goodwin. Special Effects Supervisor John Richardson will rig the locomotive with special effects steam.
You’ll be able to:
- Pose with a luggage trolley on Platform 9 ¾ as it disappears through the station’s yellow brick wall and walk along the Hogwarts Express’ adjoining carriage
- Explore the interior carriage set that was used during filming (complete with ‘windows’ that demonstrate the process used to create iconic train scenes from the films such as the escape of Harry’s first Chocolate Frog and the Dementor attack)
- See a selection of prop luggage and find out which character owned which items by turning an interactive dial (characters include Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Luna Lovegood and more)
- Browse a wide range of goodies inspired by the Harry Potter films and, specifically, the Hogwarts Express in a train-themed souvenir shop which will be open on the platform
Are you as excited about the upcoming expansion as I was? Join the conversation on social media with #HogwartsExpress!
Situated just outside of London, the nearest station to the tour is Watford Junction, a 20 minute train ride from London Euston. Prices are fixed throughout the year at £30 for adults and £22.50 for under 16 year olds, with packages available for families.
Tickets must be booked in advance and a n audio guide is available to hire, narrated by Draco Malfoy actor, Tom Felton. At the end of the tour is a vast gift shop offering a vast range of merchandise including a number of items exclusive to the tour.
Visit www.wbsudiotour.co.uk for more details.
